Photo: ICRC / T. Gassmann

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) is extremely pleased that governments have adopted the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions. The Third Additional Protocol lays the groundwork for, Magen David Adom, Israel's equivalent of the Red Cross, to become a full voting member of the Red Cross Movement as early as next spring.

"This is truly an historic step,” said Theresa A. Bischoff, CEO of ARC/GNY. “Our chapter has been working closely with MDA and we have established close professional and personal relationships.  We are delighted that this vote moves MDA forward on the path to full partnership with all societies around the world.”

The Third Additional Protocol establishes the neutral Red Crystal emblem, which will serve to create an additional protective symbol equal in status to the existing Red Cross and Red Crescent, devoid of political, cultural or religious connotations. “Now Israel and all nations of the world will be able to join together under one recognized universal symbol of humanitarian relief,” said ARC/GNY Board Member Lewis Krulwich, a leading advocate for MDA inclusion in the International Federation.

The American Red Cross has considered the admission of MDA to the Movement a policy priority for more than 50 years and in protest of non-admission had been withholding its dues payments, now in excess of $35 million dollars, to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Greater New York Chapter"s relationship with MDA was formalized in Fall 2004 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Jerusalem Region as a basis for ongoing collaboration. “There is much our two organizations can and are learning from each other,” said Ms. Bischoff. ARC/GNY staff and volunteers have visited MDA in Israel and the Greater New York Chapter has hosted a number of MDA delegations. A four-person Greater New York team is currently training in preparation for a two-month deployment to Jerusalem to serve as MDA disaster responders.

In order for MDA to become a full voting member of the Movement, several additional steps need to take place as early as spring of 2006, culminating in a vote by all members of the Federation.

American Red Cross Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter worked tirelessly to bring about adoption of the Third Additional Protocol, one of the top priorities of the American Red Cross.  Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey and the Swiss Government were determined to resolve the issue. And the United States government, both in Washington and at the U.S. Mission in Geneva, worked closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross to achieve the affirmative vote.